Ayala Group Boosts Support to Children of Fallen Soldiers

Makati City — The Ayala Group, in collaboration with Hero Foundation, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing educational support to the children of Filipino soldiers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our nation. Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, Inc., BPI, Globe Telecom, and ACEN have officially pledged their support to the HERO Foundation, Inc., an organization dedicated to offering educational assistance to children who have lost their parents in the military.

Ayala Group's Ongoing Commitment

Since 1988, the HERO Foundation has been empowering and supporting the children and siblings of fallen soldiers. Their mission is to ensure that these young individuals receive the necessary educational opportunities to build a brighter future. Over the past 35 years, the HERO Foundation has consistently provided secure and consistent educational support to military orphans.

"It is a huge honor for the Ayala Group of Companies to continue being the HERO Foundation’s partner... I am confident that together, we can continue to make a profound impact in the lives of many young Filipinos," Fernando Zobel de Ayala, Chairman of Hero Foundation, said during the ceremonial event.

The Ayala Group's renewed commitment to the HERO Foundation signifies its dedication to the education and well-being of these children. This year, Ayala Corporation, Ayala Land, BPI, Globe Telecom, and ACEN have collectively pledged to contribute P2.5 million per company per year for the next five years. This significant financial support will enable the HERO Foundation to continue its important work and make a profound impact on the lives of these young scholars.

“Our collective aim is to reach a level of self-sufficiency for the HERO Foundation in the coming years, and every step we take today brings us closer to that goal,” said Zobel de Ayala.

Strengthening Educational Support

The additional support will be used primarily focus on three key objectives. Firstly, it aims to establish a sustainable trust fund that will provide for the current and future orphan scholars from the Armed Forces of the Philippines. This trust fund will ensure that these children have access to quality education and necessary resources.

Secondly, the funds will bolster the R.E.A.C.H Program, which goes beyond traditional college scholarships. This program provides additional support to top students by offering opportunities for personal and professional growth. The R.E.A.C.H Program equips scholars with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in their chosen fields.

Finally, it will support the HERO Foundation's mission of assisting scholars in finding employment after graduation. By connecting scholars with job opportunities and providing career development programs, the Ayala Group aims to empower these young individuals to become productive and responsible citizens of the country.

Impact of HERO Foundation

Since its inception, the HERO Foundation has made a significant impact on the lives of military orphans. To date, a total of 2,733 scholars have been supported by the foundation, with 1,240 of them successfully graduating from college. These graduates have gone on to pursue various professions, including engineering, nursing, medicine, aviation, law enforcement, and the military.

The foundation has disbursed a total of P188 million to support the educational needs of military orphans. This year alone, the HERO Foundation is currently supporting 232 scholars who are pursuing their education.

HERO Foundation, Inc. was established in 1988 with the help of business leaders, including Ayala Corporation chairman emeritus Jaime Zobel de Ayala, who also served as the foundation's first chairman of the board. The Ayala group of companies has since been one of the strongest supporters of HERO. 

HERO, which stands for Help Educate and Rear Orphans, provides educational support to military orphans. The support includes school supplies, transportation, meals, and even a portion of their tuition.